Storyline: DK

Size: 4'6" tall ( ground - shoulders), 7'-8' long (nose -tail), 160-240 lbs

Lifespan: ~100 years

Colors: grey (predominant color), brown, black, (rarely) white or red.

Background:

Battle wolves are a cross breed between wolves and Gundabad wargs..resulting in a larger and fiercer breed of wolf. they were created by Orocarni dwarves long ago to protect the clans and to battle against the wargs before the fall of Orocarni clan in the first age. After the fall of the clan the Battle wolf riders roamed the land traveling around..not settling anywhere, like dwarven gypsies. Eventually they did settle in a region, the southern Misty Mountains in between the Fangorn forest and the forests of Lorien in the Vales of Anduin. Always watching and guarding against the insurgence of orcs from Mordor and southern Mirkwood. Overtime a few left the region once more to join with the Iron Hills dwarves where they lived under King Dains rule till Erebor was won back. During the BOTFA there was only a handful of Battle wolves that joined with King Thorin in his battle against the orc and goblin army...in the end they were victorious with no loss of any wolf life. After Thorin was coronated King Under the Mountain a call went out to the other riders but only a few came to settle in Erebor under Thorins rule.

These specially bred wolves bond with only one rider for the rest of thier lives till death do they part. These beasts get thier size and elongated claws from thier warg heritage. They have powerful haunches that make them extremely powerful for running faster than other warg breeds and there are dewclaws made for climbing along the back of thier paws. The warg side also has given them shaggy scruff of the neck and bushier tales than is normal for wolves and eyes that glow in the dark. From thier wolf side they get most of thier looks making them appear as giant shaggy wolves.

Battle wolves serve various functions within the clan. Thier first objective is serving as mounts to thier partners ,since they are twice the size of normal wolves, transporting thier riders in a quick fashion to thier destination. Thier second purpose is a dual function..they serve as both guard and fighting partners to thier riders on the battle field. The third function is acting as a hunting partner...they have excellent hunting and tracking skills in acquiring thier prey be it the multi legged or two legged kind.

Battle wolves have different personality traits amongst themselves and have to be carefully paired with a partner that will compliment them perfectly. These creatures are highly intellegent and need a well trained rider who understands how to handle them with a firm yet soft hand. They are very well known for thier ability to be comfortable both under and above ground...so they are perfect partners to the dwarf.

Most famous Battle wolf is Mischa who is ridden by Laicee from Erebor...who was one of the Battle wolves that joined in the battle of reclaiming The Lonely Mountain with Thorin and his company.